The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has declared that the continued stay of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun in office is lawful and backed by the amended Police Act 2024.
In a statement on Thursday, Fagbemi clarified that Egbetokun’s appointment, which took effect on October 31, 2023, remains valid for a four-year tenure, despite his attainment of 60 years of age.
Fagbemi explained that under the Civil Service Rules, public servants are required to retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service, whichever comes first.
However, the Police Act 2024 now allows the IGP to serve a full four-year term, regardless of age.
“The appointment of Egbetokun, which took effect from October 31, 2023, would have ended on September 4, 2024, when he turns 60,” the statement read. “However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to complete the original four-year term granted under Section 7(6) of the Act.”
This amendment, Fagbemi noted, extends Egbetokun’s tenure until October 31, 2027.
Egbetokun was appointed as IGP on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu, replacing Usman Baba.
His appointment was later confirmed by the National Police Council on October 31, 2023.
Under the Police Act 2020, an IGP is to serve a four-year term.
However, Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, was initially expected to retire upon reaching 60 years in September 2024.
To address this, the National Assembly, in July 2024, passed a bill amending Section 18(8) of the Police Act, allowing an IGP to remain in office until the completion of their term, irrespective of age or service years.
While the presidency has yet to formally announce the signing of this amendment by Tinubu, reports suggest that the president approved Egbetokun’s stay until 2027.
Following Egbetokun’s 60th birthday in September 2024, some individuals called for his retirement.
However, legal experts and government officials have argued that the new Police Act provisions override civil service retirement rules for the IGP.
With this clarification from the AGF, it is now clear that Egbetokun will continue leading the Nigeria Police Force until 2027, barring any further legal or policy changes.